By Roland Piquepaille
I'm almost certain that some of you experimented some problems at security counters before boarding a plane. You were asked to remove your shoes or your belt -- while your laptop was left unattended on the other side of the counter. How frustrating! But I have some good news for you. In "Functional Fashion Helps Some Through Airport Checkpoints," the Washington Post (free registration) reports these incidents are now so frequent that retailers are offering new products -- such as bras and shoes -- labeled as 'airport friendly.' In fact, a Google search on the 'airport friendly' subject returns more than 22,000 results! Read more on this 'fashion trend'...Here is a general introduction from the Washington Post.
In this era of tightened airport security, retailers are coming to the aid of the aggravated traveler, offering new products -- such as bras and shoes -- designed to get passengers through the checkpoints without the indignity of a pat-down.
Shoemakers Johnston & Murphy, Florsheim and Rockport sell dozens of styles without metal shanks in the soles and market them to frequent fliers. Florsheim identifies the styles with tags that look like passports labeled "airport friendly" inside the shoebox.
And many airline passengers are now searching, either online or in stores, for 'airport friendly' shoes or clothing. They don't want to be pulled aside for physical pat-downs.
More than 300 passengers have complained to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that the pat-down procedures are embarrassing and invasive because they involve screeners touching people near sensitive body areas, often to inspect bras and belts. The agency modified its pat-down procedures yesterday, allowing women to place their arms at their sides instead of holding them out during inspection.
Even if passengers do not set off the metal detector, the TSA warns that passengers may be pulled aside for more screening. Typically, passengers who buy tickets at the last minute or buy one-way trips will automatically be selected. Screeners also may choose passengers at random for additional screening, no matter what they are wearing.
So what are your options for finding metal-free shoes or accessories? Here are some suggestions from the Washington Post.
Many men's dress shoes and women's pumps contain steel because it adds stability, shoe retailers say. Few women's shoes with heels are free of metal. Online retailers such as Shoedini.com and Zappos.com have created sections devoted to shoes that will pass through airport security, but the selection for women is small, consisting of Ugg boots, sneakers and sandals.
"Manufacturers need to address the needs of women to get through airports," said Tom Casale, founder of AirportFriendly.com, a Web site that sells travel-related gadgets.
Below are two examples of accessories you can wear to avoid to be physically screened.
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Howard Rheingold understood a long time ago how to manage easily the airport security process. When he travels, he wears clogs -- painted by himself of course. This image comes from his "How To Paint Your Shoes" (Credit: Howard Rheingold). And please pay a visit to Smart Mobs, the collective blog organized around the subjects he wrote about in his last book. |
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And here is an example from the Dianes Lingerie's online store, the Spanx - Bra-llelujah all-hosiery bra. "Bra-llelujah's all-hosiery design has straps that distribute weight evenly and stay where they belong. Say goodbye to straps that "dig" and have you praying for mercy by lunchtime. In fact, the no-metal bra is airport-friendly and so comfy, you'll forget you have it on!" (Credit: Dianes Lingerie) |
Now, I have some questions for you? Have you changed the way you dress when you have to travel by plane? And do you search for the 'airport friendly' label when you shop for new shoes or other clothing accessories?
Sources: Sara Kehaulani Goo, The Washington Post, December 10, 2004; and various web sites
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Famous quotes containing the word wear:
“In all unmerciful actions, the worst of men pay this compliment at least to humanity, as to endeavour to wear as much of the appearance of it, as the case will well let them.”
—Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)